Ameland boasts a long sandy beach stretching along the island’s entire northern coastline – peaceful, spacious and highly photogenic.
27 kilometres of coastline: From Hollum in the west to beyond Buren in the east lies a continuous sandy beach of around 27 kilometres – perfect for long seaside walks.
Space & tranquillity: In some places the beaches are over 100 metres wide, and even at high tide there's still plenty of space. The gentle slope of the sea and usually calm waters also make it ideal for families with young children.
Accessible beach entrances: The main beach access points are located at Nes, Buren, Ballum and Hollum, often equipped with beach pavilions, showers and toilets.
Safety first: During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty at the busiest areas, ensuring a relaxed and safe beach experience.
Unique natural area: East of Buren lies the 400-hectare salt marsh area Nieuwlandsreid, where you can spot many bird species during a walk.
Source of inspiration: For generations, the beaches of Ameland have inspired painters, writers and peace-seekers – a place where relaxation meets creativity.
Award-Winning Beaches
The beaches of Ameland have received multiple awards for their quality, safety, and eco-friendly management.
Blue Flag: In 2025, the beach of Ameland received the 26thBlue Flag – an international certification for excellent water quality, safe facilities, and sustainable beach management.
Quality Coast Award: Awarded in 2017 for sustainable tourism that respects both people and nature.
Cleanest Beach in the Netherlands:Ameland received this title in 2007 and 2020.
With more than 27 kilometres of sandy beach, Ameland offers an ideal spot for every beach lover. From lively family beaches with beach pavilions to quiet nature beaches where you can sometimes walk for kilometres without meeting anyone. Each part of the coast has its own character and charm.
Beach of Hollum
The beach of Hollum is located on the western side of Ameland and is especially known for the nearby Bornrif lighthouse. Via the Badweg and the Vuurtorenweg, you can easily reach the various beach entrances between approximately beach post 1 and beach post 6.
Special features: beautiful views of the red-and-white lighthouse, wide sandy beaches and lovely dune areas.
Facilities: various beach pavilions, lifeguards during the summer season and ample parking near the beach entrances.
Beach of Ballum
The beach of Ballum lies between Hollum and Nes and is one of the quietest beaches on Ameland. Via the Strandweg Ballum, you arrive at a wide sandy beach where peace and space take centre stage. The beach entrances are located approximately between beach post 6 and beach post 10.
Special features: much quieter than Nes, ideal for long beach walks and enjoying nature.
Facilities: a beach pavilion, bicycle parking and plenty of space to enjoy the sun, sea and beach undisturbed.
Beach of Nes
The beach of Nes is the most popular beach on Ameland. From the village, you can walk or cycle via the Strandweg to the sea in about ten to fifteen minutes. The beaches around beach posts 11 to 14 are especially popular with families and holidaymakers who like to make use of the many facilities.
Special features: wide family beach with plenty of activity and a pleasant atmosphere during the summer months.
Facilities: several beach pavilions, lifeguards, toilets, showers and rental of beach chairs and water sports equipment.
Beach of Buren
East of Nes lies the beach of Buren. Via the Strandweg Buren, you reach a wide and relatively quiet beach that forms a perfect starting point for a visit to the nature areas Het Oerd and De Hôn. The beach entrances are located approximately between beach post 14 and beach post 16.
Special features: plenty of space, wide beaches and a beautiful combination of beach, dunes and nature.
Facilities: beach pavilions, bicycle facilities and lifeguards during the high season.
The Oerd beach
Anyone looking for peace and nature will naturally end up at the Oerd beach. This extensive nature beach lies east of Buren and borders directly on the Het Oerd nature reserve. The further east you walk from beach post 16, the quieter it becomes.
Special features: unspoilt nature, wide sandy expanses and beautiful views over the sea and dunes.
Facilities: virtually no facilities are present, allowing the natural character to remain fully intact.
De Hôn and the eastern tip
At the far eastern side of Ameland lies De Hôn, an impressive nature area where the North Sea, the Wadden Sea, dunes and salt marshes meet. This is one of the most remote places on the island and a favourite destination for nature lovers.
Special features: rugged nature, vast sandbanks, salt marshes and a good chance of spotting seals.
Facilities: no beach pavilions or other facilities, allowing nature to take centre stage here.
Tip: visit this area during an excursion or a beach ride and enjoy one of the most remarkable landscapes of the Dutch Wadden Islands.
Whether you choose the lively atmosphere of Nes, the tranquillity of Ballum, the iconic lighthouse of Hollum or the unspoilt nature of Het Oerd and De Hôn, the beaches of Ameland are without doubt among the most beautiful in the Netherlands. Every beach entrance offers a different experience and makes a day by the sea on Ameland unique.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of Ameland are clean, well-maintained and equipped with all the conveniences for a relaxing day by the sea.
Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned so you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – ideal after swimming or playing.
Supervision & First Aid: During the summer season, lifeguards and beach patrols look after your safety. First aid stations are available at the busier entrances.
Comfort for Everyone
Whether you come to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy watersports – the wide beaches of Ameland offer peace, space and comfort for all ages.
Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
Food & drink nearby: Along the beach you'll find cosy pavilions and terraces for an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.
Strandexpress
Experience the unique beauty of Ameland in a special way with the Strandexpress. This unique journey takes you to the most eastern points of the island, the Oerd and the Hôn, and offers an ...
The Strandjutter outing on Ameland is a rugged and relaxing beach ride to the Hôn, the easternmost point of the island. What can you expect during the beach ride? Along the way, you travel ...
With Joh. de Jong Strandritten, you can experience Ameland in a relaxed and enjoyable way. What can you expect during the beach ride? From the beach at Nes and Buren, you travel by tracto ...
On various parts of the beach on Ameland, lifeguards keep watch to ensure a safe and carefree day by the sea. This way, you can fully enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
When: Daily in July and August from 10:00 to 18:00.
Qualified lifeguards: Trained in first aid and equipped with communication devices and rescue gear.
Lifeguard posts: Clearly marked with flags and lookout points. Constant surveillance is maintained from these manned posts.
Danger warnings: In case of strong currents or bad weather, you will be warned in time via flags.
On Ameland, four lifeguard posts ensure safety and supervision at the island’s main beaches. The posts are strategically placed along the coastline, so help is always nearby.
On the beaches of Ameland, you will find various information signs and beach flags to inform and warn swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and other beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming in the sea. Below you will find the meanings of these flags:
Red-Yellow Flag
Supervised beach zone. Lifeguards present Lifeguard station is open, and qualified lifeguards are monitoring the area within the lifeguard brigade's working area.
Red Flag
No swimming! Very dangerous sea Warns of serious danger and is raised when swimming conditions are very dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the sea are strongly discouraged.
Yellow Flag
Be careful when swimming! Dangerous sea Warns of dangerous conditions in the sea. Extra caution and vigilance are required.
Orange Windsock
Be careful when swimming! Do not use floatation devices! Warns against the use of (inflatable) floatation devices due to offshore winds.
White Flag with Blue Question Mark
Child found! A child has been found who is missing their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are asked to report to the lifeguard station.
Green Flag with White Cross
First Aid Post First aid personnel are present at the lifeguard station.
Black and White Chequered Flag
Water sports allowed In the zone between the two black and white chequered flags, water sports are allowed.
Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.
Dogs on the Beach
For many dogs, the beach is the ultimate place to run, play, and swim. Whether it’s a seaside walk in the fresh sea breeze or a cheerful game with a frisbee or ball – dogs clearly enjoy a day by the sea. But please note: on many beaches, seasonal rules apply regarding dogs.
Only leashed dogs are allowed on the guarded beaches of Ameland during the period 15 June till 15 September between 10:00 till 18:00. On the other beaches are free-running dogs allowed.
Outside of the above mentioned locations, period and time are dogs allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of Ameland.
Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Beach of Ameland
At low tide there is a strong current towards the sea, than stay close to shore. In case you get pulled in by the current do not try to swim straight against it, but swim slanting to the shore with the current. Also be aware of floating devices like air-beds, boats or other swimming devices.
Do not get to close to the poles, piers or other obstacles.
Watch your children carefully, do not let them alone near the water. Are there recognition signs on the beach, tell it to your children.
Only leashed dogs are allowed on the guarded